Transformative technologies in transportation – such as automated and connected vehicles – are discussed in a video series from the Volpe Center at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Bryan Mistele identifies vehicle-related business models and technologies, and discusses the potential for safety and efficiency gains with the advent of advanced vehicles.

The impact of adaptive cruise control (ACC) is examined in Meta-Analysis of Adaptive Cruise Control Applications: Operational and Environmental Benefits , a report from the Volpe Center at the U.S. Department of Transportation. This report identifies ACC’s effects on traffic, energy, and emissions.

Different scenarios are tested in Traffic Jam Assist Test Development Considerations , a report from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These scenarios continuously analyze the speed of the surrounding vehicles and compare it to a specific vehicle’s own driving speed. If the system detects dense traffic or a traffic jam, the driver can activate the functionality by pressing a button.

The U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking to fill a position that is responsible for executive direction and leadership over a comprehensive national research, development, and technology program. This program is designed to meet the needs and goals of the highway community and the nation’s highway transportation system. In addition, the incumbent leads the FHWA in the establishment of collaborative partnerships with states, academia, industry, international entities, and other transporta...

The benefit of additional asphalt compaction is assessed in FHWA Demonstration Project for Enhanced Durability of Asphalt Pavements through Increased In-place Pavement Density, Phase 2 , a report from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. This report identifies how much in-place density is enough and provides examples of successful construction projects using additional compaction.

A draft test procedure for confirming amber rear turn signal lamp color is evaluated in Rear Amber Turn Signal Lamps Confirmation Test: Example Measurement s, a report from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This report examines whether amber or red turn signals are more effective at preventing rear-end crashes.

The current state of pedestrian protection in the U.S. vehicle fleet is determined in Pedestrian Protection: Assessment of the U.S. Vehicle Fleet , a report from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This report identifies the impacts of injury when a pedestrian hits the hood or windshield of specific types of vehicles.

The U.S. Federal Highway Administration's has released the latest edition of its Public Roads magazine. The magazine highlights developments in federal highway policies, programs, and research and technology. This edition features information about: Performance data for bridges Connected vehicle demonstrations Trucking food around the country Security systems for connected and automated vehicle networks

The feasibility of increasing seat back strength is examined in Front Seat Modeling in Rear Impact Crashes: Development of a Detailed Finite-Element Model for Seat Back Strength Requirements , a report from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This report analyzes front seat performance in rear impact crashes to identify the safest seat design.

Metrics of rechargeable energy storage systems in electric vehicles are defined in Ford Safety Performance of Rechargeable Energy Storage Systems , a report from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This report identifies safety performance test procedures and metrics that may be conducted at the vehicle level to assess priority failure events.